Abhinav Vittalam
English I Honors
Mrs. Henderson
25 February 2023
Alan Grant Character Analysis
Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park follows the story of a group of scientists who visit a theme park filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs. Among these scientists is Alan Grant, a paleontologist who becomes a key player in the park's events. Grant is a complex character with several key traits that shape his behavior and growth throughout the novel.
One of Grant’s most defining traits is his love for paleontology. He is passionate about his work and is often described as a knowledgeable and respected expert in his field. When he first arrives at Jurassic Park, he is in awe of the dinosaurs, and his excitement is palpable: "Grant stepped out of the Land Cruiser, his breath coming fast. For a moment he couldn't speak, he was so overwhelmed. He had been coming to Montana for eleven years, and each time it seemed more magical than the last" (Crichton 24). Grant's love for paleontology is also tied to his respect for nature. He is opposed to the idea of recreating extinct species through genetic engineering, believing that it is
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He’s a natural problem solver and is often called upon to make difficult decisions. When the group gets stranded on the island, Grant takes charge and begins to formulate a plan: "He needed to figure out how to contact the mainland...How to fix the radio? How to find a source of food and water?" (Crichton 202). Grant's pragmatism also extends to his interactions with other characters. He isn’t emotional, but rather approaches situations with a practical mindset. This is evident in his relationship with the children, Tim and Lex. Although he initially has little patience for them, he soon realizes that they are in danger and takes on a protective role: "Grant...felt a sense of obligation. He was a scientist, but he was also an adult. And these children were in trouble" (Crichton